The Gunners, playing in their 16th final, were unable to respond late on.

Chelsea’s victory kept alive their hopes of a domestic double, with four more games remaining of the Women’s Super League One season and only goal difference separating them and leaders Manchester City.

For Arsenal, who had been bidding for their second domestic trophy of the season after lifting Continental Tyres Cup in March, the defeat meant they were unable to add to their dominant record of 14 wins from 16 FA Cup finals.

The fourth Women’s FA Cup final to be played at the national stadium endured a relatively subdued first half of few clear-cut chances, but it sparked into life when the lively Bachmann fired the ball into the roof of the net soon after half-time.

The 27-year-old Switzerland international soon doubled the lead, as her well-hit shot from the right-hand side was deflected into the far corner.

Arsenal, who had gone close through Miedema’s deflected effort in the first half, pulled one back through the Netherlands striker, as she tucked the ball in after good work from Beth Mead.

But England forward Kirby’s clinical finish to make it 3-1 added to a remarkable season that has seen her awarded both the PFA Women’s Player of the Year and FWA Footballer of the Year award, as well as helping the Blues reach the semi-finals of the Women’s Champions League.

Hayes leads Blues to more glory

Chelsea Ladies boss Emma Hayes has led the club to both of their Women’s FA Cup triumphs

Victory saw Chelsea claim their fourth piece of major domestic silverware, all of which have come under boss Emma Hayes’ tenure, since the former Arsenal assistant coach took charge in 2012.

The Blues’ second FA Cup added to their 2015 league title and their triumph in 2017’s one-off, transitional spring series.

Hayes – who is 33-weeks pregnant with twins and opted to follow the match from the dugout, seated, after health advice – has built a side full of talented internationals and her front three of Kirby, South Korea’s Ji So-Yun and Bachmann delivered for their manager when it mattered after half-time.

The result saw the Blues avenge 2016’s 1-0 loss to the Gunners at Wembley – a game in which Hayes had been critical of her side for “not turning up”, but the same could not be said on Saturday.

Chapman’s record-breaking 10th FA Cup

Almost exactly 21 years since winning her first FA Cup on 4 May, 1997 with Millwall Lionesses – then aged just 14 – midfielder Katie Chapman captained the Blues as she earned her 10th winners’ medal in the competition.

The former Arsenal star has also started in all 10 of those final successes.

Her new record cup win capped another marvellous campaign for the heavily-decorated 35-year-old, who performed well in the relatively deep holding role for the Blues at Wembley.

Player of the match – Ramona Bachmann

Ramona Bachmann helped Chelsea win the WSL Spring Series after joining the club from Wolfsburg

The former Wolfsburg forward’s two goals were vital but her movement, quick feet and tireless work ethic brought world-class quality to the game.

Hayes’ capture of Bachmann from the German side, who have knocked Chelsea out of Europe three seasons in a row, has been a key part of their recent success and may well yet play a pivotal role as they look to achieve their long-term target – winning the Women’s Champions League.

‘The last thing I needed was something nervy’ – what they said

Chelsea manager Emma Hayes told BBC Sport: “This is more enjoyable than the first time around [2015’s victory] because that was such a dominant performance from us.

“The quality of the goals showed the difference between the two sides.

“The last thing I needed was something too nervy and that was the most relaxed I’ve felt in a final in my entire career.

“With a record crowd, I’m very pleased that people watching today have watched a very high standard of football.”